Biohazard treatment systems

a technology of biohazard treatment and treatment system, applied in the direction of disinfection, chemical/physical/physical-chemical processes, energy-based chemical/physical/physical-chemical processes, etc., can solve the problems of ineffective inactivation of biohazards, ineffective conventional methods and systems, and ineffective conventional techniques for treating surfaces

US20050242013A1Inactive Publication Date: 2005-11-03HUNTER CHARLES ERIC +4
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Applications(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2005-11-03
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

Systems and methods for exposing fluids and other materials that may contain biohazards to ultraviolet radiation are provided. One system for exposing a fluid includes a baffled conduit for conveying the fluid so that the fluid flow and its exposure to ultraviolet radiation is rendered more uniform. Other systems include feedback for determining when to replace light sources and filters and to ensure proper biodosimetry. Additional methods and systems for exposing fluids and other materials that may contain biohazards are also provided.
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Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 362,393, filed Mar. 8, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to systems and methods for exposing materials to ultraviolet radiation and more particularly to neutralizing biohazards located on or within the material, which may be a solid, liquid, or gas. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Certain biological microorganisms can have significant negative affects on the health of humans and animals. Such organisms include, for example, common mold spores and pollen, as well as more deadly biological hazards, such as anthrax and small pox. As used herein, the term “biohazard” refers to all types of biological microorganisms that have negative side affects, including potentially deadly microorganisms.

[0004] The use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation for the killing of microorganisms and bio...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0039]FIG. 1 shows an illustrative system 10 consistent with this invention for exposing biological hazards that may be present in fluids, such as liquids and gases, to short-wavelength (ultraviolet) radiation. As used herein, biohazards can include mold spores, microorganisms, and other biological organisms that are potentially harmful to humans and other animals. Short-wavelength radiation includes radiation having a wavelength that is less than about 410 nm.

[0040] System 10 includes a conduit 12 for conveying a fluid 14 and at least one array 22, 24, and 26 of solid state light-emitting devices. Conduit 12 has an input 16 coupled to a source of fluid (not shown) and an output 18. Conduit 12 is baffled so that fluid 14 flows more uniformly while being conveyed through conduit 12. The light-emitting devices of arrays 22, 24, and 26 are mounted in the conduit such that they emit sufficient radiation in conduit 12 for neutralizing biohazards, thus forming a “killing zone” in the con...